H1B, H4 Visa

Hi All,

It’s my turn now to write my Visa stamping experience with Hyderabad Consulate. It’s been so exciting to wait for the time and it’s really went good beyond my expectations.

*** 2-Nov: Bio-Metrics ***

Bio-Metrics is so simple and it won’t consume much of your time. My slot is at 4pm on Sunday and I reached the OFC at 2.45pm. Security people allowed us into the queue at 3.45pm only and they asked me to enter OFC at 4pm after checking the Appointment Letter. Once in, Greeters will come to you and check the DS-160 confirmation page and Appointment Letter against our Passport. If everything is fine, they ask us to proceed further. If they find anything wrong in DS160, there is one un-official guy sitting beside to the building to correct the DS-160. So, don’t get panic if something went wrong with your DS-160.

Later to this check point, we’ll be allowed to another security check where someone sitting with a tab to ensure our slot and details. Then, we’ll be entered into a physical security area and followed by another point where our Passport get attached with a barcode for the purpose of PAI interview along with a seal on the DS-160.

Now we can collect a token from another security guard just next to the door. I entered into a medium space hall where around 10 counters are there with fingerprints machines and cameras. Once we get our turn (TV will show & announce the token numbers), we need to proceed to the respective counters. Officer at the counter asked the below questions:

Who is your employer? <answered appropriately>
For how long you are going to stay in US? <answered appropriately>

Then, officer captured my photo along with fingerprints. He then asked me to read a notice of regulations on the wall. Then, he asked me to leave and requested to provide the feedback in a tab located at the exit door. That’s it!

Please make sure to have the below documents for OFC:

Passport <Old & New>
DS-160 Confirmation Page
Interview appointment letter
One Photograph <Just for safety>

*** 3-Nov: PAI ***

A Big Day! My slot is at 11am and I reached Consulate at 9.40am. Security people allowed me into the queue directly. Before entrance/gate, there is one guy sitting with a tab and checking our slot details. Then we’re allowed into a waiting area. Greeters will assist us to move further to collect the interview token. Token would be affixed backside of the Passport.

Then we need to go through a physical security keeping all our belongings in a tray. Once done, we can collect our items back and we need to proceed to the central waiting lobby. It’s a nice location with a good ambience. A greeter came to me and verified my token and asked me to sit at a place. She has given US rights pamphlet as well. TVs around us show & announce the running token numbers. It took around 35 minutes to get my turn. There are 16 counters in three segments and 2-3 applicants are there in a queue at every counter. I got my chance, here is the conversation:

Officer: Good Morning, Can I have your Passport?
Me: Good Morning. I passed my passport along with I797.
Officer: <She had a glance on the I797 and returned me> Who is your petitioner?
Me: Answered appropriately
Officer: Who is your Client?
Me: Answered appropriately
Officer: What your client do?
Me: Answered appropriately
Officer: What you do?
Me: Answered appropriately <Roles & Responsibilities>
Officer: Why you?
Me: Answered appropriately <Provided my capacity and expertise as a justification>
Officer: How much you earn there?
Me: Answered appropriately <as per LCA>
Officer: In which city you’ll be staying?
Me: Answered appropriately
Officer: Are you married?
Me: Answered appropriately
Office: Highest Education?
Me: Answered appropriately
Officer: Place your right hand fingers on the scanner.
Me: Did accordingly. <Meanwhile she kept my passport in her desk & typed something in her system>
Officer: Do you’ve US rights pamphlet.?
Me: Yes, I hold it and shown.
Officer: That’s Nice. Please Go through.
Me: Sure!
Officer: “Your Visa is approved… Thanks and have a good stay in US.”
Me: <Happy to hear those words> Thank you! Good Day!!

Officer is so friendly and she is with a smile on her face while asking questions. So, just respond with a cool smile and give the answers for the questions in a simple manner. They’re taking not more than 3-4 minutes for an applicant, especially for H1B, it’s so fast. So, it’s a matter of friendly chat!!

Just have all the documents and below are the documents that I carried:

**Mandatory:
Passport <Old and New>
DS-160 (Sealed on the OFC day)
Interview Appointment Letter
I797B (If applicable)
One Photo (Just for safety)

**Supporting Documents:
I-129 Document
LCA
Supporting Manager Letter
Company Appointment Letter Original
Latest Revision Letter
Last 2-3 month pay slips
All Original Educational Documents
Last 6 month bank statement
Last 2-3 year Tax filing slips (Form-16)
Manager Letter
SoW
Additional Project Information (If you’ve)
Experience Letter describing the roles and responsibilities
Resume
DS-160 Screens
Company ID card (Of course I wear it while in Interview)

If you’ve any additional documents with you, please have them in a transparent folder for easy access. Have the checklist so that you won’t miss anything on last minute. Have a professional dressing so that nothing looks like odd. I don’t have any dependents; there would be few more documents required for dependents which I’m unaware of. Please have a check list if you’ve dependents.

Plan to reach the consulate bit early to avoid any tensions due to traffic or in any other manner. Smile and Confidence are the only weapons to get success.

Any Questions, please drop me a mail to *[email protected]*

All the Best!!